How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop

The question of how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop has been a topic of debate for decades. The famous advertising slogan for Tootsie Pops, “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? The world may never know,” has only added to the intrigue.

Despite the lack of a definitive answer, many have attempted to determine the answer through various methods. One popular method is the “lick-and-count” method, where a person licks the Tootsie Pop and counts the number of licks until they reach the center.

In a study conducted by Purdue University in 1973, an engineering professor and his students used a licking machine to determine an average of 364 licks to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop. However, this method has been criticized for not taking into account variations in the size and shape of Tootsie Pops and the pressure applied by the licking machine.

Another study conducted by a group of high school students in 2002, used a mathematical formula to estimate the number of licks based on the circumference of the Tootsie Pop. However, this method also has its limitations, as it does not take into account the uneven surface of the Tootsie Pop.

In more recent years, various online videos and social media challenges have emerged where individuals attempt to lick a Tootsie Pop and record the number of licks it takes to reach the center. These videos have gained popularity and have become a viral trend, but the results vary greatly and are not a reliable way to determine an accurate answer.

It is clear that determining the exact number of licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop is a difficult task and is affected by a variety of factors, including the size and shape of the Tootsie Pop, the pressure applied while licking, and the individual’s licking technique.

In conclusion, the question of how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop remains a mystery. The famous advertising slogan, “The world may never know,” may prove to be true. While various methods have been attempted to determine the answer, none have been able to provide a definitive answer. The Tootsie Pop remains a delicious treat and the question of how many licks it takes to get to the center adds to its allure and mystique.